Parkinson’s Pioneer Dr. Abraham Lieberman to retire after 50 years
Muhammad Ali’s physician impacted Parkinson’s care for thousands of patients
PHOENIX (September 28, 2018) – Dr. Abraham Lieberman, the neurologist and Parkinson’s disease expert who treated Muhammad Ali for 30 years, is retiring from Barrow Neurological Institute in December. Dr. Lieberman, along with Muhammad and Lonnie Ali, was instrumental in the development of the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence and one of the most comprehensive Parkinson’s centers in the country. The Barrow Neurological Foundation will be honoring Dr. Lieberman’s esteemed career and lasting impact on thousands of patients by naming Barrow’s Parkinson’s research facility the Lieberman Parkinson’s Research Center. His legacy will be celebrated at an event on Friday, October 12 at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort in Paradise Valley, AZ.
“We are privileged to be able to honor the career and dedication of Dr. Lieberman with this lasting tribute to a man who has done so much for so many Parkinson’s patients across the country and around the world,” says Katie Cobb, president of Barrow Neurological Foundation. “The Lieberman Parkinson’s Research Center and the incredibly talented team of Parkinson’s experts have the ability to change the course of the disease and continue the legacy that Dr. Lieberman has created.”
Throughout his career, Dr. Lieberman treated 40,000 Parkinson’s and movement disorder patients, at one time managing a case load of 5,000 patients. He practiced for 30 years at Barrow Neurological Institute at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix and consulted for 25 pharmaceutical companies on developing new drugs to treat movement disorders.
Dr. Lieberman served as a neurologist in the United States Air Force Hospital in Tachikawa, Japan during the Vietnam War, going on to become a professor of neurology at NYU and eventually serving as medical director for The National Parkinson Foundation. He was instrumental in the creation of a leading Parkinson disease website, Parkinson.org, and authored six books, including the best-selling book on Parkinson’s disease, 100 Questions and Answers about Parkinson’s Disease.
The Lieberman Parkinson’s Research Center will continue the legacy Dr. Lieberman began, as he led more than 200 Parkinson’s research studies. Barrow physicians and scientists are currently conducting nearly 30 clinical trials and research studies, ranging from the effectiveness of exercise, to the improvement of brain imaging and the development of new drug therapies.
The Barrow Neurological Foundation is raising funds to name the Lieberman Parkinson’s Research Center. To make a gift in Dr. Lieberman’s honor, attend the October 12 event, or share your memories of his career, please contact Kristina Knudsen at (602) 406-1057 or visit SupportBarrow.org/Lieberman Legacy.
About Barrow Neurological Foundation
Barrow Neurological Foundation raises awareness and funding for patient care, medical education and research offered at Barrow Neurological Institute. Barrow is an internationally-recognized leader in neurology, neurosurgery and neuroscience research, treating patients with a wide range of conditions, including brain and spinal tumors, concussion and brain and spinal traumas, neuromuscular diseases, stroke, cleft and craniofacial disorders, and cerebrovascular disorders. SupportBarrow.org
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